This March, I’ll be running the Inverness Half Marathon in memory of my dad, who we lost on Christmas Eve in 2017. The Highlands has a higher rate of suicide than anywhere else in Scotland, a heartbreaking fact which means that many of us who live here, have faced the realities of this first hand. Support for those facing challenges with their mental health is essential, the charities below provide often-lifesaving services to help those in need.

MikeysLine is a Highlands based charity that provides mental health support and suicide prevention service across the region. The Scottish Association for Mental Health is a national charity providing mental health services to people in Scotland. They run an amazing support line which is available to anyone who needs it and have many resources on their website.

Lastly, and most importantly, if anyone reading this is struggling with your mental health, please know that’s it’s ok not to be ok, and that help is available. If you need someone to talk to, please text 07786 20 77 55 or call the SAMH helpline at 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, if you recognise that someone might be struggling, check in with anyone who might be suffering in silence.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated and will go towards the incredible work of MikeysLine and Scottish Association for Mental Health.